Artist Profile: Yara Ramos
Chances are you've already seen the work of Yara Ramos somewhere around Columbus.
Maybe you've walked past one of her colorful murals. Perhaps you've seen a logo or piece of graphic design she created for a local organization. You may even recognize her work from the official Columbus TRAX Creative District poster.
But murals and graphic design are only part of Yara's creative story.
The Cuban-born, Columbus-based artist has spent more than 20 years working in creative and strategic design, building a career that crosses mediums, disciplines and even the occasional human canvas.
On Saturday, September 19, visitors will have an opportunity to meet Yara and discover more of her work during Fall for the Arts.
ART THAT TELLS A STORY
Yara describes herself as a multidisciplinary designer, visual artist and muralist, but storytelling is at the center of much of what she creates.
A graduate of the University of Havana in Cuba, Yara combines her background in design with a willingness to experiment with materials, techniques and ideas.
Through her business, Havana Stone, she creates murals, branding, graphic design and commissioned art projects. Her murals are particularly recognizable around Columbus, with works appearing at locations including Frankfort Square, the Columbus Community Building, Market 23 and the Innovation Center.
Yara describes her murals as bold, joyful and story-driven — artwork designed around the people and places that will experience it.
FROM WALLS TO HUMAN CANVASES
Yara's creativity isn't confined to a traditional canvas — or even a wall.
She also works in face painting and body painting, transforming people themselves into temporary works of art.
That willingness to move between disciplines is an important part of Yara's artistic identity. Whether she's creating a large public mural, experimenting with mixed media, painting a face or developing a graphic design, each project offers another opportunity to communicate visually and connect with an audience.
THE ARTIST BEHIND THE TRAX POSTER
There's another piece of Yara's artwork that has a special connection to downtown Columbus.
Yara is the artist behind the Columbus TRAX Creative District poster, creating a colorful interpretation that celebrates the character and creativity of the district.
The poster is available through the Columbus Arts Foundation for $20, giving people an opportunity to take home a piece of artwork inspired by Columbus and support the local arts at the same time.
CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY
Yara's influence in Columbus extends beyond the art she creates.
She owns Havana Stone and works as a graphic designer at Central Community College's Columbus Campus. She has also shared her knowledge by teaching courses in Photoshop, computers, graphic design and branding.
Her entrepreneurial work has also earned recognition locally. As the owner of Havana Stone, Yara was the winner of Central Community College's first Shark Corral Competition.
For Yara, creativity is both personal expression and a way to build connections — between a business and its customers, a mural and its neighborhood, or an artist and the person experiencing the finished work.
MEET YARA AT FALL FOR THE ARTS
Fall for the Arts gives you an opportunity to meet the person behind some of the artwork you've been seeing around Columbus.
Find Yara Ramos at Barbara Jean's on Saturday, September 19. Stop in, explore her work and learn more about an artist whose creativity can be found on walls, canvases, posters and plenty of unexpected places throughout our community.
🎨 Yara Ramos
📍 Barbara Jean's
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ Artwork on display beginning at 11 a.m.
FALL FOR THE ARTS
Saturday, September 19
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Trackside District – Downtown Columbus
